Cosmetic Gum Surgery

Gum recession is a serious condition that, left untreated, could lead to tooth loss, it is characterized by the gingival tissue (gum tissue) pulling away from the teeth. Once this tissue pulls away, and the roots responsible for anchoring the teeth are exposed, the teeth begin to weaken and the roots are susceptible infection, and decay. Left untreated, tooth loss is probable. However, advancements in the periodontics industry have led to a new, minimally-invasive procedure for addressing a receding gum line, this revolutionary procedure is the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST™). The PST™ is performed without the need for cutting, stitching or grafting.

How Can I Tell If I Have Gum Recession?

Gum recession can affect one, several or all your teeth. If you notice that the gum tissue surrounding the neck of a tooth is pulling away and its root is visible, you have gum recession.

Other signs indicating that you have gum recession include:

sensitivity to hot and cold;

teeth that appear longer than they used to;

discoloration and indentations near the gum line; and

dark, triangular-shaped spacing between your teeth.

What Causes The Gums To Recede?

There are numerous factors that could cause gum recession, for many patients, several factors added together lead to a receding gum line.

Factors that may contribute to a receding gum line include:

aggressive brushing;

periodontal disease (gum disease);

a lip piercing;

a tongue ring;

misaligned teeth;

a frequent grinding or clenching of the teeth; and/or

having a destructive bite.

Risks Associated With A Receding Gum Line

Once the root of the tooth is no longer protected by the gingival tissue, its rough surface becomes a magnet for dental plaque, which is a bacteria-filled biofilm that causes decay and disease. Since the roots of the teeth are soft, decay or erosion from acids can quickly destroy them.

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST™) In Owasso, OK, Is A Revolutionary Treatment For Gum Recession

The goal of the PST™ is to achieve root coverage and strengthen thin, fragile gum tissue. Using this revolutionary treatment, the unappealing cosmetic and functional effects of receding gingival tissue can be reversed. With the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, the receded gum tissue is gently moved to a healthier position on the patient’s teeth.

The PST™ is ideal for patients who have lost a minimal amount of bone; however, patients who have lost a substantial amount of bone will still need to have the traditional gum grafting procedure to address their receding gum line.

Some differences between traditional gum grafting and PST™:

When traditional gum grafting is performed, acellular dermal matrix (ADM) tissue must be purchased or soft tissue must be harvested from the patient. Typically, the area used for harvesting is the patient’s palate (roof of the mouth); however, sometimes, gingival tissue is harvested from the gum that is close to the area being treated. A scalpel is used to harvest the gingival tissue.

With Dr. Chao’s Pinhole® Surgical Technique, there is no need to harvest tissue or use scalpels.

With traditional gum grafting, the tissue harvested from the palate may not match the gum tissue where it is grafted.

With the PST™, tissue matching is of no concern because the tissue being used is the gingival tissue that has always been there.

The recovery period for traditional gum grafting can take up to three weeks.

The recovery period for Dr. Chao’s Pinhole® Surgical Technique is about one day. Since there are no incisions made, the patient experiences very little pain following the procedure. Some sensitivity is expected, but most patients return to their normal diet the next day.

The number of teeth that can be treated in a single session with traditional gum grafting is limited to one or two. Results are not evident for some time.

With the PST™, multiple teeth can be treated during one visit and patients enjoy immediate, natural-looking results.

The Treatment Steps For The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique in Owasso, OK

Local anesthetic is administered to the areas being treated.

A tiny hole is created in the gingival tissue near the areas being treated.